Apple has revised the rules and review policies of the App Store. The changes bring with them a renewed and greater weight on paid apps in the app review process. As it now stands, users can no longer provide reviews for apps obtained via promo code. In other words, if you're downloading a paid app for free or on promotion, you won't be able to review it. That privilege is now reserve for paying customers only.

Apple says the changes were needed to help level the playing field. That is, no longer can developers flood the market with free promo codes to bulk up the number of favorable reviews the app boasts in the App Store. For the time being, however, the new policy appears to be implemented in a less than consistent fashion, as some paid apps delivered by promo code are still allowing users to rate their experience of the app. Still, the change has definitely taken effect for no shortage of iPhone and iPad applications.

An official response from an iTunes support, received by a forum-goer over at iOS games site TouchArcade, notes the change, saying that the company now requires ratings and reviews of applications to be done by paid users, keeping those who may have installed the application from a developer's promo code from contributing to its aggregate rating or written review log.

The latest efforts taken by Apple to make the App Store a more fair place for developers to sell and promote their work, builds upon the company's recent adjustment of the top apps algorithm. Based on the apparent revisions, the number of downloads an app sees exerts less influence than before on its ranking in the App Store. In the Top Free app category, for example, evidence suggests that Apple is giving more weight to applications that are "actively used."

How stupid. Why does it matter how a person obtained the app as long it wasn't a hacked app. If it's a good app a person will give it a good rating if they paid $$ or used a promo code. Just because I used a promo code to get an app doesn't mean Ill give it a good review if it's crap.

Wow just wow.what difference does it make if the app was paid for or obtained through a promo code? -.-

Some devs use promo codes to get good reviews on a p.o.s app. It's actually pretty obvious. If you pay for the app, you compare the money paid to the experience or service received. In other words, it will be your honest opinion.

Wow just wow.what difference does it make if the app was paid for or obtained through a promo code? -.-

You must be one of those that gets bribed a lot with promo codes. Being able to review with a promo code is just asking for trouble. When you have no financial investment in the app you are less willing to give it a good college try and are more likely to dismiss it off hand if it doesn't immediately strike your fancy. If you truly think there is no difference then you are obviously a promo code whore, pimping yourself out for free apps.

How stupid. Why does it matter how a person obtained the app as long it wasn't a hacked app. If it's a good app a person will give it a good rating if they paid $$ or used a promo code. Just because I used a promo code to get an app doesn't mean Ill give it a good review if it's crap.

Lame move apple.

Originally Posted by x12_Carnage

Wow just wow.what difference does it make if the app was paid for or obtained through a promo code? -.-

It is human nature to be kinder (or less negative) when no money is exchanged.

You must be one of those that gets bribed a lot with promo codes. Being able to review with a promo code is just asking for trouble. When you have no financial investment in the app you are less willing to give it a good college try and are more likely to dismiss it off hand if it doesn't immediately strike your fancy. If you truly think there is no difference then you are obviously a promo code whore, pimping yourself out for free apps.

Lmao I honestly don't care if I get it through promo code or not.I only review based on how good the app is overall.and as for being a promo code whore,I've never received any promo code for any app whatsoever so I'd think about what I say before I actually type it out

How stupid. Why does it matter how a person obtained the app as long it wasn't a hacked app. If it's a good app a person will give it a good rating if they paid $$ or used a promo code. Just because I used a promo code to get an app doesn't mean Ill give it a good review if it's crap.

Lame move apple.

Did you actually read the article? Developers give out promo codes to friends and employees who deliberately give the app good reviews just to jack up the rating and help the developer, even if the app is trash and fails to do what it says it does. That's a problem and Apple made a good call here.